Ford Ends Production of Transit Trail Van
Ford has quietly discontinued its Transit Trail van model, leaving many wondering about the vehicle’s future. News of the discontinuation emerged last week, with no formal announcement from the automaker regarding the decision or potential plans for its return.
The Transit Trail, which first launched just three years ago, was marketed to drivers seeking the “van life.” It provided an appealing option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a simpler way of living.
However, the van’s starting price of approximately $65,000 may have been a barrier for some. Ford has removed the model from its website without a formal announcement.
Elizabeth Kraft, Ford Pro’s communications manager, told the US Sun: “Due to on-going challenges in the supply chain and part availability constraints impacting 2023 and 2024 Transit Trail vans, we’ve decided to remove the package’s availability while we prioritize delivering parts and service on impacted vehicles in the market.”
Decreased demand for luxury off-roading may have also contributed to the van’s discontinuation, with recreational vehicle sales declining since the pandemic. Reports from the RV Industry Association show a 49.2% decrease in 2023.
Production issues also upset buyers, with some experiencing significant delays in receiving their Transit Trail vans after ordering. In the comments section of a YouTube advertisement, customers expressed their frustrations, with one person stating, “Be prepared to wait; it took me over a year to get my 2022 Transit, and many folks had their orders cancelled in 2022.”
F-150 Launch Delayed
In addition to discontinuing the Transit Trail, Ford is also postponing the launch of its next-generation F-150 pickup truck by at least a year. The US automaker has communicated with suppliers about delaying the release of the 15th generation of the F-150.
According to Automotive News, Ford will maintain the current model until 2028. The initial plan was to release the new generation with both gas and hybrid power in 2027. The pickup truck is code-named P736 and was slated for production at Dearborn Truck and Kansas City Assembly plants, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Production of the current P702 version, first introduced in 2021 and refreshed in 2024, will also be extended to 2028.
Ford Teases Off-Road Supercar
Adding to the automotive news, Ford has hinted at the possibility of a standalone supercar with the iconic Raptor branding. At a recent Ford Performance event in Charlotte, North Carolina, Ford CEO Jim Farley suggested that a high-performance off-roader could be in development.
This follows the trend set by Porsche and Lamborghini, which have released the 911 Dakar and Huracan Sterrato, respectively, to critical acclaim. These examples demonstrate a strong market for off-road-inspired sports cars.
Speaking to Top Gear at the event, Jim Farley stated, “We’re in the middle of creating something, so we don’t have all the answers yet, but the question is, should Ford make an off-road supercar? Not a version of a car, a standalone supercar. That’s what we’re trying to answer. What do we do on a utility car? Is there a supercar? That’s what we’re debating now.”
